Wingham Tigers off to a good start

WINGHAM had a great start to the Group Three Rugby League elimination semi-final when Matt Bartlett sent a pass to an unmarked winger Blake Sky to scamper across for a try.

Luke Steel nailed the goal from the sideline.

The Sharks replied when elusive centre Oral Monaghan slipped a tackle and sprinted to the corner to cross for an unconverted try.

Wingham had further cause to celebrate when Matt Bridge sent a close pass to Ricky Tobi and the second rower was over just before halftime. Steel's goal made it 12-4 at lemons.

Wingham coughed up possession from the re-start and Monaghan made them pay when he showed pace to get outside the defence and race over. Geary potted an angled conversion and at 12-10 the Sharks were back in business.

Mitch Steel then grabbed an intercept 40 metres out. He's been troubled by hamstring problems this year and this was obvious as he laboured his way to the line.

But he got there and a Matt Bridge field goal soon after opened up a 17-10 lead with 15 minutes remaining.

Penalties started to flow Port's way from there and from a loose ball Gore sent centre Adam Greenaway over, Wingham players later claiming the ball earlier went forward off a Port player. Geary kicked the conversion. His penalty goal soon after rounded off the scoring, with the Sharks trooping off 18-17 winners.